Ireland round-up: New planning standards for flats now in force; New housing estate in Dublin refused permission

New planning standards for flats now in force in Ireland

The government has published updated guidelines on standards for new flats that contain specific national planning policy requirements.

The Planner

RTPI to streamline routes to Chartered membership

The RTPI has announced that it is streamlining the ways that professional planners can achieve Chartered membership.

The Planner

An Bord Pleanála reject wind farm development (pdf)

An Bord Pleanála has rejected proposals for a 29-turbine wind farm in a rural area north-west of Galway city on environmental and ecological grounds.

An Bord Pleanála

Public transport motors ahead

Irish people took over 7.7 million more public transport journeys last year - with passenger numbers up by 3.6 per cent.

Irish Independent

New housing estate in Dublin refused permission

An Bord Pleanála has refused permission for a development of 74 houses beside Adamstown in west Dublin after its inspector highlighted design shortcomings and argued that the densities proposed were too low.

Irish Times

Alan Kelly tells property developers to lower expectations

Developers should not expect “massive profits” from housing anymore, and some need to lower their expectations, says environment minister Alan Kelly.

Irish Times 

Nama on course to develop 2,000

Nama says it is on course to develop around 2,000 residential units and a huge swathe of high-end offices in Dublin's docklands. Meanwhile Stock market-listed homebuilder Cairn Homes said it is acquiring a site at Hanover Quay in the docklands area for €18 million which could accommodate more than 100 flats.

Irish Herald

Wind energy industry launches €500,000 ad campaign

A €500,000 advertising campaign highlighting the perceived benefits of wind energy has kicked off.

Irish Times

Minister gives go-ahead for Shell to operate gas pipeline

The contentious Corrib gas pipeline has been given the final approval by energy minister Alex White, nearly 20 years after gas was discovered off the west coast.

Irish Independent

More than 400 planning enforcement complaints remain open in South Dublin

South Dublin County Council says it plans to expand its planning enforcement department as new figures show more than 400 enforcement complaints remain open.

Irish Times

Planning for Cork’s Capitol cinema redevelopment approved

Cork has received a boost with the news that An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the €50 million redevelopment of the Capitol cinema incorporating a food innovation centre.

Irish Times

Labour rules out fracking - even if firms say it is safe

Fracking will not form part of the government's long-term energy plans even if it is proved to be safe, energy minister Alex White has insisted.

Irish Independent 

Storm Frank shows unsuitability of incinerator site - activists

Campaigners are up in arms over a twin-incinerator scheme proposed for a 12-hectare site at Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour, which is claimed to be unsuitable because of flooding risks.

Irish Times